On an unseasonably warm November day in 2014, Lea Lawson and Zac Vander Goot had no idea their lives were about to change forever. They were both about to begin new jobs at GEICO, and it seemed that fate brought them together to start around the same time. Lea remembers the first time she ever saw Zac because he showed up fashionably late two days after training had already started. After a few months, fate finally stepped in again and they both ended up out for drinks together amongst coworkers where they exchanged numbers and began talking every day. Lea soon found out Zac’s birthday was approaching and he had neglected to make any fun plans for the milestone, which Lea deemed unacceptable. Being from Michigan, Zac did not know many people in the area yet, so Lea took it upon herself to ensure that his birthday was celebrated appropriately. She then learned his hobbies were a mirror of her own, including hiking, camping, and kayaking, so she booked their first date at a Mongolian style yurt nestled in the mountains, where they talked at length about anything and everything, watched four movies in a row, and went hiking for his birthday. The rest, as they say… is history, and the two have been inseparable ever since.
As time passed, they quickly realized that their relationship was unlike anything else either of them had experienced in life before. They could be completely and unapologetically themselves around each other while having the comfort of knowing that the other was completely accepting of them. Honesty came so easily between the two, which allowed trust to blossom and flourish and soon they found themselves exchanging “I love yous,” atop one of their favorite mountains, Old Rag. Fast forward two years and nine months through numerous kayaking and camping trips, hiking trails, weekend trips to exciting cities, and a few family vacations they ended up booking a trip to one of Lea’s “Bucket List” cities, New Orleans. Unbeknownst to her, Zac had a very special surprise for this trip and planned everything perfectly! It was colder than usual in NOLA throughout their trip, but that did not keep them from making the most of it. They made sure to get oysters from Acme Oyster House (and Zac actually ate four whole oysters!), bought hats from a vintage haberdashery, ate alligator, duck gumbo, and braised sheep cheeks at Cochon, went to fancy restaurants as well as hole-in-the-wall bars, went to a Burlesque show, experienced Bourbon Street nightlife, saw the Mississippi River, and went to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. After they visited the aquarium they walked to Jackson Square and explored the beautiful park, walking amongst the beautiful, giant trees with jazz music floating through the air from the street surrounding the square. Zac said it would be a good idea to get a picture in front of the St. Louis Cathedral that lies at the head of the park. And that’s when it happened. As Lea was trying to get a good picture, she turned around and saw Zac down on one knee, where he then asked for her hand in marriage. After screaming a little and jumping up and down a whole bunch, Lea enthusiastically accepted his proposal, and off they went to Café du Monde to celebrate over coffee and beignets.
On May 11, 2019 at the Market at Grelen, they will make it official. We are so excited to be apart of their amazing love story. 

As you drive up the gravel road of the property, you swing around the Market to see the savory view of the mountains. The greens of the land are simply spectacular. Each time I visit the Market at Grelen I find something else that I like about it. This visit, we got to see the gorgeous purple flowers on the vines. See the photo below. Set on 600-acres you feel like you are on your own private island. We are a preferred Vendor here and LOVE helping our couples turn this space into their own vision!

Each wedding we do at Market is unique and special. You can get so creative with the space with your colors and special touches. You have GREENERY galore to work with. Not to mention all of the fun and hidden photo opportunities. Market allows you to utilize their entire space for your event and be as creative with that space as you would like. Not to mention their own site team works hand and hand with your plan to ensure a successful event.

The tent has a plastic see through top so you can bring in the natural light and you do not feel like you are in a tent. The tent is 4500 square feet! You can do so much with this space the possibilities are endless. Did I mention they have wine barrel bars? WINNING!

Want to have your ceremony outside? This view is simply stunning and allows you an intimate ceremony regardless of your guest count. You could do the Berry Field or Half Moon Garden, want something a little different? Try out the Bloomfield or Greenhouse. Check them all out by clicking here. Lots more pictures available.

​Check out their Wedding Wire Reviews - 4.7/5.0
Name: Market at Grelen
Address: 15091 Yager Rd., Somerset, VA 22972
Website: Click Here
Contact Person: Emmie or Tess
Facility Rental Fee: See Pricing Guide Here Off Peak starts at $5,000 & On Peak starts at $7,000
Ceremony: On site available
Reception: On site available
Included in Rental Fee: Chairs, Tables, Bridal Suite, Wine Barrel Bars
How many hours are included in rental: 4pm - 12pm on Saturdays & 4pm-11pm on Sundays
Guest Count: Tent up to 300 seated, Greenhouse 50 seated, Stone Terrace 100 seated
Space Size: 4,500 square foot tent & 600 acre property
Catering: Preferred Catering List Provided which you want to use because this space does not have a full kitchen for the Catering Team.
Alcohol: Provided by Couple or Bar Tenders
Can you bring your own alcohol? YES
Bridal Suite: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot - Cars can be left overnight and must be picked up by 10am the next day
Restrooms: Yes
Rehearsal Times: Depends on availability and you will know 30 days before
Rain Plan: Lots of options